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Friday, 11 April 2014

Real Techniques Core Collection Review

Real Techniques I was lucky enough to start as my first real proper cosmetics brushes - I've had those cheapos from the $2 stores and which I can now understand why you need to invest and pay a little extra for a proper brush! If it wasn't for blogging I honestly probably wouldn't have even brought any brushes other then the cheapos as I would have thought they do all the same things.. well no!
Real Techniques have a brush for everything although some may not come in handy from their collection ranges they sure do show benefits through your make up application/routines.

 I have only starting contouring and understanding why you contour and Real Techniques have a collection out called 'Core Collection' which contains 4 different cosmetics brushes and are the gold coloured.
Over the past month I have been putting these brushes to the test to see how I would use them without knowing too much on the brushes and then I actually went and looked at what they are meant to be used for.

Included in the 'Core Collection' is a:
  • Detailer Brush - precision cut to effortlessly conceal problem areas; or, use with lipstick for long-lasting shape and definition.
  • Pointed Foundation Brush - use with liquid foundation to build custom coverage.
  • Buffing Brush - ideal for full coverage application of powder and mineral foundation.
  • Contour Brush - delicately applies highlighter to contour or create sheer, soft-focus finish. 
and then you get the Panoramic Case which allows you to stand your brushes up for a pretty display or to enclose them in an envelope type compartment so they are always kept together.

 Here's how I used the brushes:
 
Detailer Brush: 
I was using the Detailer Brush for when I would use eye shadow as a liner for on my eyes. As this brush is really small and thin it was easier to use this brush to get a more defined line going on your eye and it wouldn't be too thick either.






Pointed Foundation Brush:
I use the Pointed Foundation Brush for highlighter use on my face - when your using highlighter you just want to push it into your face and I thought this was a fantastic brush was easy to use when going around the eyes and top of lip area.
 
Buffing Brush:
This was the only brush out of all them all that I use correctly - after having those really dewy or very liquidy foundations that when you touch your face come off I apply a finishing powder over the top and this is a great brush to use as it has a flat top so it was good for just dabbing into your face.





Contour Brush:
The Contour Brush I actually don't use very much - I have used it once when I was applying the contouring darker foundation to my face to contour but I preferred a stippling brush for that instead.



Real Techniques 'Core Collection' has been a blessing addition to my cosmetics collection and have become a daily used product. (Yes,  I am one of those people who like to contour and highlight all the time when I apply make-up!)

 Something I really love about Real Techniques is that they don't stop with just helping you achieve those beauty looks you are going for. They provide ongoing support to assist you by having online tutorial videos which I think is fabulous for those who are just starting out or wanting some extra tips!
My little beauty blogger in the making having a play with the Real Technique brushes - just had to share! 
**Real Techniques Core Collection - RRP $45**

LUSH Mother's Day Range for 2014


LUSH FRESH HANDMADE COSMETICS 
MOTHER’S DAY 2014 INTRODUCING...

Rose bubble bar ($5.95) ... Sweet and uplifting.
This beautifully crafted bubble bar will instantly transform mum’s bath time experience into a rose filled voyage through a mountain of skin softening bubbles. Rosehip oil and cocoa butter grated into the mixture provide the softening properties; while rose and lemon provide the fragrance.
This bubble bar has a brand new formula ... cornstarch has been added to the mix to limit the rising effect of our other bubble bars. This means you get a more condensed bar that can be broken in half and used over two baths. Or you can use the whole things for masses of creamy, softening bubbles.
Picked at dawn by local villagers and Roma Gypsies, in Senir, Turkey, our rose absolute is the best we can get. We are one of the largest users of Rose absolute in the world. Not only is it a great smelling treat but the premium we pay on every kilogram of oil goes towards the running of (and the initial building of), a local primary school.



Inhale Exhale bath bomb ($5.95) ... Intensely soothing.
A new bath bomb with two halves – each lightly scented with one half of the two-part Gorilla Perfume fragrance, Breath of God. The Inhale half fizzes quickly, allowing mum to breathe in the light and fruity neroli and rose to relax. She can then lie back, breathe out and enjoy the grounding effect of the Exhale fragrance, with notes of smoky cedarwood and revitalising lemon and grapefruit. This half fizzes more slowly to give mum an even longer lasting soak.






Breath of God ... named by Turin and Sanchez as one of the ‘100 Greatest
Fragrances of All Time’. Awarded 5 stars in their book, Perfumes: The A-Z Guide (2008)



Wonder Woohoo bubble bar ($6.50) ... Recharge and rejuvenate.
Inspired by Wonder Woman and created for wonder women! Mums can channel their inner superhero when using this bubble bar, covered in gold sparkle to replicate Wonder Woman’s gold tiara! Packed full of sandalwood and Brazilian orange oil from our best selling Gorilla Perfume, The Sun, Wonder Woohoo is ideal for overworked super mums in need of a little time to recharge and rejuvenate.







RETURNING FAVOURITES 

Mum’s re-usable bubble bar wands ($9.95) ... For beautifully scented bubbles.masses of skin softening, Back with best-selling fragrances, Mum’s are a selection of innovative re-usable bubble bar wands, especially for mum. This year we have blended bath bomb mix into the Mum’s formula, so it’s never been easier to release the bubbles!
With three to choose from, each Mum’s wand is crammed with beautiful essential oils for a long lasting fragrance...


Mum... short for chrysantheMUM, this bright and cheerful yellow flower has the same sweet caramel fragrance as Lush’s global bestseller, Honey I Washed The Kids soap. Packed full of mood-brightening sweet wild orange and bergamot oils, this one will lift her mood and leave her skin feeling soothed and soft.











Tulip... as well as being a beautiful flower, tulips are also an emblem of International Women’s Day in Russia... so the perfect choice really. This one shares the same fragrance as our best selling Sex Bomb bath bomb, a heady scent that will revive and clear her mind.
Simply hold under running water for a trail of deliciously fragranced bubbles.









Madame Butterfly... A pretty pink butterfly fragranced with gorgeous rose absolute and rose oil. There’s a hint of lemon and geranium oil too which helps to balance the skin.









Mumkin bubble bar ($5.95) ... Back and brighter than ever!
Mumkin was incredibly popular last year and won the hearts of Lush fans everywhere. She is well known for her beautiful fruity fragrance and turning bath waters a deep and luscious pink. Not to mention she is bursting with character and style. Mumkin contains a unique fragrance that smells like a punnet of fresh raspberries - delicious!









Secret Garden bath bomb ($5.50) ... Peace and tranquility. A bath with this lovely floral ballistic will make mum feel like she is in her own secret garden. Bursting with petals that will float on the bath water and scented with roses, sweet wild orange and rosewood oils. This one has a frothy outer layer, which means it fizzes slowly for a long relaxing bath under a green carpet of foam. Vegan
Last March, mums around the world enjoyed 19,209 Secret Garden baths - that's hours and hours of peace and tranquillity!




WRAPPED WITH LOVE, READY TO GIVE 


Mum ($39.95) ...
Encourage Mum to take some time out for herself with this bright, playful, bubble and floral themed gift. Mum gives our mums a choice of five different bath treats to choose from. The round re-usable tin (labelled with a ‘Mum’ sticker so she can store her things afterwards) has a bright and colourful print that was inspired by hydrangeas flowers. It is this floral design that depicts what’s inside.
Contains: Secret Garden bath bomb, Inhale Exhale bath bomb, Mum’s reusable bubble bar wand, Rose bubble bar, Mumkin bubble bar, Dream Cream hand and body lotion (100g), Gorgeous facial moisturiser (10g).


Treats For You ($44.95) ...
Originally created for White Day in Japan, this sweetie inspired Knot- Wrap gift contains a selection of luxurious products with a mixture of uplifting, sweet and fruity scents ... we think it beats a box of chocolates anyway! Contains: Vanilla Deelite body lotion (100g), Sugar Scrub body scrub, Strawberry Feels Forever massage bar, Godiva solid shampoo bar, Miranda soap (100g).





Hello Sweetie ($14.95) ... For the sweetest of mums, who need to treat themselves. This gorgeous wrap contains two of our most deliciously sweet products, so that mum will come out of the shower feeling like a rock star! Contains: Sweetie Pie Jelly 100g, Rock Star 100g star shape.








You’re the Best ($18.95) ...
Cones are a similar shape to a bunch of flowers, which makes this gift a great alternative for Mother’s Day, especially as it contains Secret Garden bath bomb which is packed with a variety of petals for mum to enjoy. The print of the cone details beautiful bubbles with holographic and sparkly edging. Mum will find plenty of bubbles inside too as this gift also contains the limited edition Wonder Woohoo bubble bar, inspired by female superhero, Wonder Woman. Contains: Rock Star soap (in a star shaped mould), Secret Garden bath bomb, Wonder Woohoo bubble bar.




Strawberries and Cream ($18.95) ...
A little gift of luxury for mum with two products to soothe and comfort her; a rich body lotion packed with bananas, cocoa butter and vanilla and a luscious massage bar made with crushed strawberries. Contains: Sympathy for the Skin body lotion (100g), Strawberry Feels Forever massage bar









Hello Sunshine ($16.95) ...
These little greenspun Knot-Wrap gifts each have two lovely treats for mum to enjoy. What's great about them is that she can re-use them afterwards as a quirky scarf or hanky! Both would also make a great gift for dad to treat mum to on Mother’s Day, or simply as a ‘just because’ gift for any occasion. Contains: Brightside bubble bar, Charity Pot body lotion (45g)









Visit Lush shops nationwide or visit LUSH.COM.AU to stock up on these limited edition Mother’s Day items, along with many more ethical, cruelty free cosmetics.

Lush expect to have this gorgeous Mothers Day collection in stores for Aus by April 21st. Get in quick to secure purchases for Mum and of course sneak in those extra few for yourself too - these will definitely be in and out I say!

P.S Anyone who knows my partner personally please hint to him that I want something from Lush for Mothers Day - I would love to have a Mum giftbox (and all the rest too! haha).

Share Your Beautiful Mum With The World with Olay

Olay Wants You To Share Your Beautiful Mum With The World
Join in the Mother’s Day celebrations by sharing your photos using #mybeautifulmum

When was the last time you told your mum that she’s beautiful? To celebrate the beauty of mothers from around the world, this Mother’s Day Olay is asking Australian and New Zealand women to share a photo of their beautiful mum. Olay wants to give women beautiful, healthy skin for life to help them become their best beautiful, especially your mum.

My Mum & I have always been pretty close.. except for the teen years when I wanted to rebel but we all get that right haha! Putting up this post had me reflecting through pictures of my Mum and family and I am very lucky to have them all still with me as a complete today. As you will have known from an early post My Mum went through a gastric bypass surgery and is on her weight loss track to get back down to a healthy weight.. which keeps reminding me I need to get rid of this post pregnancy weight! 
In September last year I was made a Mum myself and made my Mum a Grandma - this has been an amazing experience to share with My Mum. 

By heading to the Olay Facebook page - www.facebook.com/Olay - you can upload a photo of your mum to share with the world. Take inspiration from children around the globe and their honest and heart-warming confessions as to why they think their mum is beautiful: http://goo.gl/f0JUks

Rebecca Gibney, Olay Regenerist ambassador, shares why her mum is beautiful: “My mum is undoubtedly the most beautiful woman that I know. Her unwavering dedication and love for family is beyond compare and her passion for caring for people is truly inspiring.  There is not a day that goes by that I am not grateful for her and all that she has done and continues to do for me and those around her. It goes without saying that she has taught me a thing or two about beauty - she introduced me to Olay in my teens - but more importantly she has taught me that true beauty comes from within.”

Olay want all women to feel beautiful, especially your mum, so show her how much you love her today; Head to http://www.facebook.com/Olay and share her beauty using #mybeautifulmum.

Monday, 7 April 2014

Scunci Girl How-To Hair Videos - Back To School Giveaway

Scunci Girl have created ‘How-To’ videos, each with step-by-step instructions for styling beautifully fun hair-dos at home.
This is a great little hairstyle assist that can help prepare your little miss with a new style to go back for Term 2 at school.

The first video in the series demonstrates how to create a Half Up Twisty Look and is available to watch on this below:




You can find all the rest of the videos under their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/ScunciAustralia

 Scunci Girl and NJT Blogger have teamed up to giveaway all the accessories used in the video posted above so you can recreate this look.
To enter simply fill in the rafflecopter form below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 Comp closes 21st April at midnight. Winner must contact within 24hrs of email. 
Please see T&C's within rafflecopter. 

Wednesday, 2 April 2014

7 months and busy, busy, busy!


I feel like I haven't posted in ages not only a personal entry but a review or new product either.
It has been busy, busy filled with events, launches, fashion shows, package receiving and all whilst I am watching my little miss grow bigger and bigger everyday!
Niahbella is 7 months on Saturday and she's needing me more these days so hence why I have been quite lately. We have got a little routine in order now and usually I get onto my blog and do my studying at night once Niah has gone off to sleep - which used to be at around 6pm, I'ld do dinner and then it was laptop, tv, couch & me time but lately Niah hasn't been going down until 8:30pm or even later! My gosh it is being a real drainer because I am fighting to get her down and she's fighting to stay up even though she is crying her eyes out from being so over tired! I am honestly stuck on how to reverse this problem back. We were given a referral to Tweedle Sleep School by our midwife from our last appointment at 4 months but I haven't taken it up as it was more so her day time sleeping that was the biggest concern but she is better with that now - practically perfect with her day time sleeps but it's now her night time slacks that are out of whack and the most concerning for us!
Has anyone been to a Tweedle Sleep School? What are your thoughts and what was your outcomes on it?

Niahbella now has both her bottom teeth, rolls from front to back and back to front, from left to right and right to left - getting all around the rug in the lounge room so it won't be long before this little possy is on her knees and crawling around chasing us around the house. I can just imagine the little fingers that will poke under the bathroom doors now. It's also time for Dan & I to start baby proofing the house to make sure she isn't going to hurt herself or get into anything that she shouldn't be in.
Do you have any tips? Is their areas we should really focus on? What areas are most commonly forgotten that we should look out for? 

It has only been recently that I have started preparing and cooking up all of Niahbella's solid feeds as we had a horrible ride with our Multi Processor constantly having issues and I didn't want to have to fork out more money to buy a new one but we finally gave up and just got a hand held stick mixer so I could get the foods done whilst we battle with the company of where our Multi Processor is from.
Niah is really good with eating foods and I don't think she has given us a spit back of anything yet.
In the morning Niah will have her fruit mix with porridge and then she has a piece of raisin toast which she loves to sink her teeth into and chew it all up and then in the afternoon she will have her veggies with occasionally meat in it and then she will have a piece of fruit cut up so she can munch on.
We did have her on solids 3 times a day but I found she was getting clogged up and wouldn't have her regular bowel movements so we reduced it back down to 2 and she is fine again so she mustn't be ready for 3 feeds a day.
I mixed up potato, carrot, pumpkin and snow peas today and she was a big fan of that so was very pleased - she surprised me with how much she ate as I honestly thought it would be too much for her with all the high carb filling veggies.
What is a favourite mix up you make your bubbies?

 Our breastfeeding journey ended about 2 weeks ago now and I didn't think it would be that hard on me but it was. I made the decision to stop breastfeeding as I wanted to get back into gym and start taking supplements for the gym and also because I didn't think I was producing enough milk for Niahbella. Niahbella is completely fine with formula and bottles so I think it has been a good decision to move her onto it. 

Today we attended our first baby show and it was very different to what I had expected - I kinda semi thought it might have been like Pageant Mum's on TV but this was very laid back compared to it and I was very surprised at how nice the other Mum's were towards each other. 
Niahbella took out a lot of runner up titles and then took 1st in her age group. I personally think Niah would have done better but she was a little upset that she was missing her nap time so was a bit of a grump and being a little miss I guess you could say haha.
I can't wait to go to another one as it just is something fun for us to do together - get dressed up and having Mummy & Daughter time (not that we don't spend enough time together already haha).
Have you gone to baby shows? What are your thoughts on them?



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